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Technical Lab Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Request Foods

Lab Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

Lab Manager Reports to: Director of Quality Services Department: Quality Location: Holland, MI ... This vital role combines technical expertise, leadership, and a proactive approach to risk ...

REQUEST FOODS INC

Lab Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

Request Foods is seeking a Lab Manager . In this role your primary mission is to protect the health ... This vital role combines technical expertise, leadership, and a proactive approach to risk ...

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Technical Lab Manager information

What does a technical lab manager do?

A Technical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly, protocols are followed, and safety standards are maintained. They are responsible for managing staff, coordinating experiments or tests, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, Technical Lab Managers may be involved in budgeting, hiring, training employees, and liaising with other departments or external clients to support research or production goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical lab manager?

To thrive as a Technical Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in science or engineering and relevant lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments, and certifications such as CLIA or ISO are highly valuable. Leadership, organizational skills, and effective communication help manage teams and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain compliance, drive efficiency, and uphold the integrity of laboratory results.

What are some of the main challenges technical lab managers face in balancing administrative duties with hands-on technical work?

Technical Lab Managers often juggle multiple responsibilities, including supervising staff, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing budgets. One common challenge is allocating enough time for hands-on technical tasks while also handling essential administrative duties like scheduling, procurement, and reporting. Effective time management and delegation are key, as is fostering clear communication with both technical staff and upper management to ensure that lab operations run smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Technical Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectTechnical Lab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or engineering, often with management experienceAssociate's or bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures compliancePerforms tests, prepares samples, maintains equipment
Industry UsageUsed in research, manufacturing, quality controlCommon in clinical, industrial, research labs

The Technical Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance, while the Laboratory Technician handles testing, sample preparation, and equipment maintenance. Both roles require scientific credentials, but the manager has additional responsibilities in supervision and coordination.

How much do technical lab managers make in the US?

Technical lab managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can vary based on certifications, technical skills, and the size of the organization, with some roles paying over $100,000 for senior positions.

Is a technical lab manager a stressful job?

A technical lab manager often faces stress related to managing laboratory operations, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring safety compliance. The role requires strong organizational skills, problem-solving, and the ability to handle multiple priorities, which can contribute to a high-stress environment at times.
Technical Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Lab Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Lab Manager

Holland, MI • On-site

Request Foods
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Request Foodsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Request Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Position: Lab Manager
Reports to: Director of Quality Services
Department: Quality
Location: Holland, MI

There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We’ve been selling products to many of the world’s leading food companies, retailers and restaurants for over 35 years. A privately owned and financially sound company, we do our best to run our business based on Christian values. Whether it’s cooking up great tasting food, assisting in customer support, providing quality and production leadership, or supporting administrative or technical activities, a career at Request Foods is a great opportunity. At Request, we’ve achieved success by treating our employees with integrity, trust and respect. If you’re passionate about food, and the people who help produce it, then Request Foods might just be for you.

Request Foods is seeking a Lab Manager. In this role your primary mission is to protect the health and well-being of consumers by ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety are consistently maintained within the manufacturing facility. This vital role combines technical expertise, leadership, and a proactive approach to risk management, requiring a passionate commitment to both science and the practice of food safety.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Leading a team of Lab Technicians to ensure testing is completed in a manner and frequency that will drive accurate and timely results
  • The implementation and management of the Request Foods microbiology lab environment ensuring good lab techniques are being employed by Microbiologists
  • Review and approve lab results prior to release of finished goods
  • Investigate out of specification results and collaborate with cross functional teams on corrective and preventative actions
  • Manage a risk based environmental monitoring program
  • Developing and managing the execution of the validation of sanitation
  • Managing third party microbiological testing programs
  • Trending and reporting of micro results to drive business decisions and continuous improvement across the company
  • Providing subject matter expert guidance and support to the supplier management programs
  • Lead initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and cost effectiveness while maintaining the integrity of the programs
  • Sourcing and maintaining lab equipment at all facilities
  • Ensuring all documentation meets regulatory, certification requirements, and customer requirements
  • Collaborating with the Quality Services, Manufacturing, Maintenance and Sanitation Teams, along with regulatory agencies, to achieve compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Assist in certification, customer and regulatory audits

Key Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Biochemistry or Microbiology required.
  • 10+ years in food manufacturing with the majority of the years in the lab but may be supplemented with experience in quality assurance
  • Demonstrated success leading a team
  • Knowledge of current USDA/FDA regulations
  • Experience with external audits
  • Experience with LIMS systems or other data analysis programs
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Possessing a high level of personal initiative and motivation

Benefits and Perks:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • Paid Paternity Leave
  • Wellbeing programs

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